I have a 08 GT 500 vert, the one year (or partial year) where stripes were not available on a vert. Its really missing something and just looks like a regular S197, (note, this is coming from a no stripe GT owner). The GT350 will be AOK with or with out stripes as it has so many other distinctive visual features. So far my favorite is Magnetic w the black stripes. Wish they chose Guard as a 350 color.
Are you talking about the over-the-top stripes? Because they weren't available in 2007, either. I have a black 2007 stripe-delete gt500 vert (no side stripes, and all verts without over-the-top stripes), and I agree- with only the large Tiffany cobra badge and the different grill opening, it is a real sleeper.